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I like to describe and grade pens I sell. I will use a grading
system on this website, and in addition, note any brassing,
discoloration, nicks gouges or any defects in the pens. Lots of
people look for vintage pens in perfect condition, but they are
sometimes difficult to find. Other people are looking for good
usable pens. My goal is to try to have pens available for
everyone's taste.

If you are seriously interested in one or more items you see
here, I will be more than happy to send additional pictures as
well as more details on an item, or items.

ALL PENS AND PENCILS I POST TO THE WEBSITE
WILL BE IN FULLY RESTORED CONDITION, INSIDE
AND OUT, AND IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION,
EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE NOTED.

I sometimes make a distinction between pens, calling them
"User Grade" or "Collectible Grade". To me a "User Grade"
pen is one that was produced in large quantities, of average
condition, and not difficult to replace, a pen that most long
time, knowledgeable collectors would have no qualms about
filling with ink and using. A "Collectible Grade" pen would be
a pen that is somewhat scarce because of limited production,
exceptional color and condition, overall scarcity, and difficult to
replace. Some pens are of such scarcity and exceptional
condition that they should not be filled and used as daily
writers. The final judgment is up to the buyer.

The grading system I use is as follows:

Mint Condition - Never used, never inked, appears to be "New
old stock" (N.O.S). May or may not have the original stickers
or chalk marks. Pens, pencils, etc. may or may not have some
minor shop wear, like micro scratches, from rolling around in a
drawer or box over the years. No brassing, etc.

Near Mint Condition - Pen shows signs of having been inked,
may or may not have original stickers and chalk marks. Much
like a mint condition pen, with the exception of having been
dipped or filled with ink. May have been lightly used.

Excellent Condition - Pen has been inked, shows signs of light
use, no brassing, no dents, no repaired cracks, possibly slight
discoloration (which I will make note of in the description),
good sharp barrel imprints (which varied in depth from the
factories). All parts correct and original.

Very Good Condition - Pen, or other writing instrument may,
or may not have brassing, a moderate amount of discoloration,
some wear to imprints, may have light dings in metal parts. All
parts correct and original. A good useable pen.

Good Condition - Pen or other writing instrument, has
significant amount of brassing, even amount of wear on
imprints and other parts, may have dings, scratches, repairs, or
other damage (which I will note in descriptions). A heavily used,
but sound pen.

Pens of any other condition below "Good" are most likely in
my parts storage. I do not usually sell parts, most pen collectors
and restorers are looking for the same parts you are, to
complete pens for their collections, and pens for resale. When I
have parts for sale I will list them on the website.